Since moving to Utah, I have seen and photographed Killdeer in every month of the year. It was no surprise that I found several at Bear River MBR last Monday.

Killdeer walking in shallow water at Bear River MBR, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahKilldeer walking in shallow water at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Even though shorebirds in general can look delicate, many of them are pretty tough. Killdeer certainly are. I’ve seen them standing on ice during whiteout snow storms. This year, my first images of this species were taken when it was snowing like crazy.

Because this year has been a little off kilter for me, I missed the opportunity to photograph these shorebirds during their nesting season with their young ones running around. I did get to see and hear them in Virginia this year though which is something I haven’t done in decades.

There were two Killdeer in the flooded mudflats toward the end of the auto tour loop at the refuge that I stopped to photograph. While they weren’t as close to the road as I would have liked, I still wanted to capture images of them.

The water was calm and glassy. The Killdeer were calm too. After a stormy start to the morning, the wind had died down by the time I arrived at this spot. These birds were simply foraging for their breakfast.

Overnight and daytime temperatures have dropped quite a bit since last Monday, but I bet there are still Killdeer at the refuge.

I’m looking forward to my next trip to the refuge because the Tundra Swans have arrived, and I am hoping to see my first-of-year swans and Rough-legged Hawks. While I can’t say that I am looking forward to blowing, shoveling, and scraping snow, I am looking forward to seeing the winter birds I’ve been missing.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Killdeer photos plus facts and information about this species.